Mark 15:33-41: Jesus Dies on the Cross

> Jesus' Cry from the Cross

When Jesus cries out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This isn't merely a cry of anguish but a public proclamation. 

The Greek word suggests Jesus "shouted" or "proclaimed" these words from Psalm 22. 

This fulfills OT prophecy while serving a dual purpose: Jesus experiences genuine forsakenness as He bears our sin, yet proclaims this truth for our benefit.

The crowd thinks He's calling for Elijah, missing that Jesus is quoting Scripture and declaring His identity as the suffering Messiah. They offer sour wine, not mercy, but mockery

> Jesus' Authority Over Death

When it says that Jesus "breathed His last," it demonstrates His divine authority. 

Jesus dies when He chooses to lay down His life. 

As He said, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). 

>The Temple Curtain Torn

The temple curtain tore from top to bottom.

This massive veil separated the Holy of Holies from the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. 

Now, through Christ's sacrifice, the separation between God and humanity is removed. Every believer can approach God's presence.

This echoes Mark's opening where the heavens were "torn open" at Jesus' baptism. 

> The Centurion's Confession

The Roman centurion declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" 

Having witnessed Jesus' authority over His own death and the supernatural signs, this pagan soldier becomes the first human in Mark's Gospel to confess Jesus' true identity. 

> Faithful Witnesses

The women who followed Jesus remain at the cross while the male disciples flee. 

Their presence as witnesses establishes the credibility of the Gospel accounts and honors their faithfulness to Him. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

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